Friday, December 31, 2021
Watch Night
The following information was actually written as an essay by Charyn D. Sutton, The Onyx Group, in December 2000 and revised in August 2004. The essay appears here in its entirety...
If you grew up in a black community in the United States, you have probably heard of "Watch Night" Services, the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins anywhere from 7:00pm-10:00pm and ends at 12:00 midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve destination.
Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service, made a bit more Afrocentric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the black church. And yes, there is a history of Watch Night Services in the Methodist tradition.
Still, it seemed that most white Christians did not include Watch Night Services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs. In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.
However, in doing some research, I discovered there are two essential reasons for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations. Many of the Watch Night Services in black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings held on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."
On that night, Americans of African descent came together in churches, gathering places, and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863 and according to President Abraham Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People remained in churches and other gathering places, eagerly awaiting word that Emancipation had been declared. When the actual news of freedom was received later that day, there were prayers, shouts of joy, and songs of praise as people fell to their knees and thanked God.
But even before 1862 and the possibility of a Presidential Emancipation, African people had gathered on New Year's Eve on plantations across the South. That is because many owners of enslaved Africans tallied up their business accounts on the first day of each new year. Human property was sold along with land, furnishings, and livestock to satisfy debts. Families and friends were separated. Often they never saw each other again in this earthly world. Thus, coming together on December 31 might be the last time for enslaved and free Africans to be together with loved ones.
Black folks in North America have gathered annually on New Year's Eve since the earliest days, praising God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for the future. Certainly, those traditional gatherings were made even more poignant by the events of 1863 which brought freedom to the slaves and the Year of Jubilee.
Many generations have passed since that time and most of us were never taught the significance of gathering on New Year's Eve. Yet, our traditions and faith still bring us together at the end of every year to celebrate once again, "how we got over."
Please pass this information on to your family and friends so that they will know the true history behind the tradition we call "Watch Night".
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
⏰ 3 Mo Days 2 Go
It's National Tick Tock Day and no, it's not about the app that's all the rage right now. It's an annual reminder to complete any unfinished business that needs to be taken care of before the end of the year. Well, you know what they say... the clock is ticking, so get it done!
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Monday, December 27, 2021
🕊 Divine Intervention
Okay, I play these games on occasion too and I know they give you the option to "try again" for a different outcome, which I have done. But, as God is my witness, this is the letter that came up on my first try. This is the first letter of my mother's name. I'm speechless...
Sunday, December 26, 2021
😇 God's Promises
During these times of smaller family and social gatherings, remember God's promise and be blessed in knowing there is a promise for every circumstance and situation in life. Shine on and have a happy Sunday!
Saturday, December 25, 2021
🎄 Family Matters
We thank God for allowing us to enjoy another Christmas together. From our hearts to yours, we hope that you had a blessed, happy, and safe holiday as well. Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law for hosting a delicious dinner and Charlie for loaning me his antlers and ears!
Friday, December 24, 2021
🦌 Let's Go Rudolph...
Okay, I know I'm an OG, but I enjoyed tracking Santa with the grands when they were little and this wasn't an option when I was a kid. But, that being said, I need him to come through Philly a lot earlier 'cause I need my sleep!
Thursday, December 23, 2021
💔 Black Lives Matter
Kim Potter was found guilty, but it won't bring him back. Keeping his family in prayer and remembering his name... Daunte Wright.
⏳ #TBT Circa 1960s
Remember when Christmas looked like this...
silver aluminum trees and rotating color wheels?
silver aluminum trees and rotating color wheels?
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
💜 Memories Matter
A beautiful "thank you" design from the Lewy Body
Dementia Assn for my year-end donation in honor of mom.
Dementia Assn for my year-end donation in honor of mom.
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
💜 Memories Matter
Please consider making a donation to LBDA during
this annual time of year-end giving. Every little bit helps!
this annual time of year-end giving. Every little bit helps!
Monday, December 20, 2021
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Saturday, December 18, 2021
🥋 #2ndKyuBrownBeltBound
"A BLACK BELT IS A WHITE BELT THAT NEVER QUITS"
It was Obstacle Course Saturday in karate class this morning and here is a quick 22 sec video of my grandson going through it. It was his last class for 2021 before the holiday break.
Friday, December 17, 2021
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
💙 Nicholas Watson
Autism is a journey no family expects, but anything is possible when you love, support, advocate, and pray for your tour guide along the way!
🔔 Philly Holiday Lights
When it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the city. There's a throwback you may remember in the mix too!
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
💙 Autism Community
Please consider making a donation to PAP during
this annual time of year-end giving. Every little bit helps!
this annual time of year-end giving. Every little bit helps!
Monday, December 13, 2021
Sunday, December 12, 2021
🥴 Snap, Snap!
Spent most of the Saturday in bed. I'm still recovering from side effects of the COVID booster shot yesterday... full body aches, headache, and sore arm. But, I'm enjoying The Addams Family Binge on Decades... haven't seen it in a long time!
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Friday, December 10, 2021
COVID-19: Get Boosted!
💉 🍟 Well, I've been boosted with Moderna and also received a coupon to come back for a free medium order of fries. Now, on to breakfast while I can still lift both of my arms to eat. Kudos and thanks to State Reps Morgan Cephas, Vincent Hughes, and Curtis Jones for this collaborative community effort with McDonalds and Penn Medicine.
⏳ #FBF Circa December 2012
ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
My Daughter & Grandson @ SJU Kinney Center Christmas Party
My Daughter & Grandson @ SJU Kinney Center Christmas Party
Thursday, December 9, 2021
COVID-19: It's That Time Again
💉 Sista Girl is finally getting that COVID booster tomorrow and she would like it without a side order of sore arm, please!
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
❤️ CNN Heroes of the Year
Yo, Philly! Let's support our own Dr. Ala Stanford for all she did to make sure everyone in our communities received vaccinations for COVID-19. She is one of the top 10 people being considered for "CNN Hero of the Year". It's time to show her some love in return and say "thank you" by casting our vote. Click on the image or text link to participate and let's get this thing done!